More than 60 Suffolk acts are preparing to grace the stage at one of the country’s biggest free music events this weekend, as Ipswich Music Day returns for its 27th year.
The Sunday spectacular runs from 12-8pm, and features dozens of the county’s finest musicians performing to thousands of people across seven dedicated stages in Christchurch Park.
Among some of the top billed acts this year are BBC Stage closers The Ashton Jones Project, East Anglia trio Elephant in the Room – performing ahead of the launch of their second album – and Ipswich’s JS and the Lockerbillies, who have returned fresh from performing three slots at Glastonbury.
Each year Ipswich Music Day attracts around 40,000 people, making it one of the biggest free one-day music events in the country.
Ipswich Borough Council leader David Ellesmere said: “It is the jewel in the cultural crown of Ipswich.
“I believe Ipswich Music Day is the biggest one-day music event in the country. It has been going for many years now and tens of thousands of people come here to Ipswich to enjoy the day.
“It is a chance for the town to really showcase what it has to offer in terms of musical talent, our parks and our shops.”
As well as stages set up around the park, performances will also take place in Christchurch Mansion, Bethesda Baptist Church and St Margaret’s Church.
And the weather looks set to shine once again as rain in the morning turns into glorious summer sunshine.
Adam Dury, forecaster at Weatherquest said: “There will be a little bit of rain first thing at about 7am but it will be an improving day.
“It will turn warmer in the afternoon and there will be quite a bit of sunshine around and fairly low wind.”
Temperatures are expected to get up to around 22C (71F).
Alongside the music stages there will be street food stalls, fun fair with children’s rides and an inflatable obstacle course to keep the whole family entertained.
Parking is £5 per car on site, while parking for blue badge holders is free.
Visitors can bring their own food and drink.
To see the full line-up and stage times, visit www.ipswichentertains.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here